TNI scraps Kaster post

JAKARTA: The Indonesian Military (TNI) has scrapped its territorial affairs position following the promotion of incumbent territorial affairs chief Lt. Gen. Agus Widjojo to deputy speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

The liquidation of the strategic position was marked during a ceremony attended by Agus and TNI Commander Adm. Widodo Adisoetjipto on Thursday.

Speaking at the event, Widodo said the termination was scheduled for 2004, but was brought forward after Agus was appointed to fill the vacant MPR postition.

The move was part of reform measures within TNI as outlined in its new paradigm, Widodo said.

"TNI's new paradigm is implemented by quitting practical politics, focusing the attention to its duties of state defense, and affirming efforts to improve the performance of its internal management." --JP